Quotation by Sallust:

Mind is the great presiding principle that regulates human life. If the mind chooses the road of virtue, and aspires to true glory through that path, there will be no complaint of innate imbecility or the dominion of accident. The human character will then shine forth, in all its lustre, superior to fortune, and independent of her gifts. For over integrity, diligence, and other qualities, fortune is possessed of no power: She is unable to bestow them, and she cannot take them away. But, if impelled by appetite, or seduced by passion, the mind ignobly sinks under the dominion of sensation, vice and indolence, as they impose their fetters, and habit gradually rivets them. Corruption once begun, soon takes root in the heart. Our vigour relaxes: The flame of genius is extinguished; and time passes away without improvement. Meanwhile, the frailty of nature is sure to be charged (blamed) with the train of misery that ensues. Thus it usually happens: Men prefer miscarriage in enterprise to any source rather than to their own misconduct."

Sallust     (more by this author)

86-34 (Age at death: 52 approx.)

Gaius Sallustius Crispus, generally known simply as Sallust, (86-34 BC), a Roman historian, belonged to a well-known plebeian family, and was born at Amiternum in the country of the Sabines. Throughout his career Sallust always stood by his principle as a popularis, an opposer of Pompey's party and the old aristocracy of Rome.

Country: Italy

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Source: JUGURTHINE WAR interpreted by Henry Steu